Despite Ceasefire, Drone Attacks Continue from Pakistan: Signs of Fallout and Fractures Within Pak Army?

Despite a clear ceasefire understanding reached through DGMO-level talks between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has continued to violate the agreement by launching drones into Indian territory.

This greyzone warfare, carried out from Pakistani soil, has led to heightened alert levels at Indian forward airports. As a precautionary measure, several flights have been cancelled or rerouted, signalling a serious escalation beneath the surface of the ceasefire.

Photo Credit: PTI

The most alarming aspect of these violations is the growing mutiny within the ranks of the Pakistan Army. Highly placed sources indicate a widening rift between Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and field-level military commanders stationed along the Line of Control (LoC).

These disgruntled local commanders, acting in direct defiance of the top brass, are reportedly deploying drones across the LoC and IB without clearance or coordination with Rawalpindi's central command.

This is not a minor breach of discipline-it is a significant erosion of the chain of command. In the Pakistan Army, the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) functions directly under General Munir's authority. Any DGMO-level ceasefire agreement is, therefore, not an independent act but a direct execution of Munir's strategic intent.

The fact that these talks occurred at all indicates that General Munir is committed, at least diplomatically, to reducing tensions.

The continuation of drone attacks despite this understanding suggests that local ground commanders are now committing open insubordination, possibly to provoke a larger conflict or to undermine General Munir's authority.

This fracture within the Pakistani military apparatus may be the most dangerous development yet-chaotic command structures increase the risk of escalation, miscalculation and a full-blown confrontation.

India's response remains measured but firm. New Delhi has made it clear that if ceasefire violations persist, drone launchpads along the LoC or International Border will be targeted and destroyed.

Moreover, if even one Indian civilian aircraft is disrupted due to Pakistani military aggression, India could retaliate by enforcing a shutdown of Lahore Airport-Pakistan's busiest civilian air hub-in line with the Modi Doctrine of strategic escalation to secure deterrence.

The message is clear: India will not tolerate shadow warfare under the guise of ceasefire. As Pakistan's internal military divisions deepen, the region teeters on the edge of instability once again. The next provocation could trigger a swift and decisive Indian response.

(Aritra Banerjee is a Defence & Security columnist)